Oklahoma Cardiac Catheterization Lab Nursing Jobs

The challenge of filling nursing jobs in Oklahoma may get more difficult before it gets easier. By 2012, Oklahoma is expected to have a shortage of more than 3,000 nurses if current trends continue. Like many other states, the main problem is a lack of nursing faculty and an aging population. What makes things more difficult in Oklahoma is that it is very rural, so recruitment is a challenge. Some hospitals are offering to pay some tuition for students who go into nursing, and offer nice signing bonuses to work full-time once they do.

Cardiac Catheterization Lab Nursing

Cardiac catheterization lab nurses (or cath lab nurses) are highly specialized cardiac care nurses that perform pre- and post-procedural care for patients that undergo specific cardiovascular procedures, including (but not limited to) cardiac catheterization, pacemakers, angioplasties and valvuloplasties. Because these cardiac care procedures are so cutting edge, cath lab nurses must consistently keep up on the latest technological advancements, through such resources as the Cath Lab Digest. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts excellent, overall job growth for registered nurses, at 22%. Because of their specialization and talent, cath lab nurses should expect a higher-than-average salary, compared to other registered nurses.